Wilmslow Police are warning people to be on their guard following a spate of distraction thefts.
Over the past few weeks there has been a number of mobile phone thefts, particularly from tables in local bars and restaurants.
Offenders are distracting victims then placing leaflets or bags over the phones. They then attempt to sell various items, before leaving and picking the phones up with the items they placed over them.
Wilmslow Police have dealt with two incidents in the last three days. The first was in an Alderley Edge restaurant with a second at a shop at Summerfield Village. On both occasions the victims have been distracted by both male and female offenders who are working in pairs in order to take mobile phones.
Four incidents also occurred in wine bars in Knutsford last week, which involved foreign nationals distracting diners and stealing their mobile phones.
PC Jo Hooper said "We are asking members of the public to please be vigilant whilst out in cafes and bar to this type of crime, and please do not leave mobile phones or any other valuables in view unnecessarily. Two offenders have already been arrested and charged in relation to theft of this nature, but others may still be using a similar distraction method in order to steal.
"We are also making local businesses aware and if you notice anything suspicious, please call us on 101"
